Valuable Orientation of the Germans in Comparison with Other Folks as a Prerequisite of Germany's Foreign Policy

Abstract

In addition to geopolitical and economic factors, the factor of values also influences the choice of priorities in foreign policy of the state. The study of values is of particular importance  for understanding the principles of foreign policy of Germany because these values were often the basis of various actions of the German state on the world stage, and along with the change of system of values in Germany, the formation of the foundations of European unity was formed. Monitoring the system of values in Germany does not lose its relevance in future. The purpose of this study is to analyze the actual values f the Germans and their potential impact on Germany's foreign policy. Accordingly, the main tasks will be: 1) to work out the theoretical and methodological base of the study of values; 2) to analyze current surveys on the values of the Germans; 3) to determine the potential effects of values on Germany's foreign policy. After analyzing the results of the surveys, we can draw out the conclusions about the influence of socio-cultural values on Germany's foreign policy. In the system of values of modern Germans there are both the influences of the historical path of Germany, as well as new trends, driven by the development of Germany and the development of modern world. The transition of Germany to post-materialist values brings new emphases in socio-political processes and, at the same time, new vectors of German foreign policy. Values are one of the prerequisites of Germany's foreign policy and, at the same time, one of its consequences.

Keywords: system of values, Germans’ system of values, Gert Hofstede, Ronald Inglehart, German foreign policy.